Brien Center Names New Director of Development
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Brien Center has appointed Craig Smith as the organization's director of development.
Smith comes to the Brien Center from the Hancock Shaker Village, where he was director of advancement. Smith will have primary responsibility for the agency's fundraising and development efforts, as well as enhancing the Brien Center's external relations in the community.
"Craig brings extensive knowledge of nonprofit organizations, fundraising and the Berkshire community," said M. Christine Macbeth, the Brien Center's president and CEO. "As the Brien Center continues to address an opioid epidemic in our community and a dramatically increased need for all of our behavioral health services, Craig will help us ensure that we can continue to fulfill our mission."
The Brien Center provided care for more than 10,000 Berkshire County residents last year, including 4,000 children.
"Our community understands the critical role that the Brien Center plays in the Berkshires," Macbeth said. "Craig will take over the vital task of expanding community support so that we can focus on providing our clients with the highest quality of care."
Smith began his development career at Berkshire Theatre Group, where he first served as director of development before being promoted to managing director. From there, he was named vice president of advancement/executive director of the BCC Foundation at Berkshire Community College, followed by his work at the Hancock Shaker Village.
Macbeth also noted that Smith's early years in a behavioral health setting – in addition to his fundraising experience – made him an excellent fit for the agency.
"I've been aware of the Brien Center and their incredibly important work for more than 30 years," Smith said. "I began my career as a caseworker and counselor and have always had a passion for helping people. I am incredibly excited by this new opportunity to fundraise for this dynamic organization and generate additional support for their many critical initiatives in the Berkshires."
He and his wife Virginia live in Pittsfield and have three grown daughters.
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